23rd annual RiverFest on Main Street of Narrowsburg

Last year’s RiverFest is seen here from above.

Contributed photos

July 24, 2013 —

NARROWSBURG, NY — Music, art, and the environment are the primary themes of Narrowsburg’s 23rd annual RiverFest, held this year on Sunday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the edge of the Delaware River on Main Street. Presented by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and sponsored by Catskill Regional Medical Center, RiverFest embodies the spirit of the river valley and highlights the artists who live and work here.

Everything at RiverFest is artist-made and the person who is selling it to you is the artist him/herself: broom makers; potters; jewelers; textile, wood, and glass artists; writers and painters.

Artists are highlighted most dramatically at the RiverFest poster auction that takes place at the bandstand at 12:30 p.m. The work of over five dozen artists, whose posters are created especially for the festival in every conceivable medium from watercolor to fabric to wood, are auctioned off by Jerry Malek. They are currently on display in the gallery windows of the Delaware Arts Center and National Park Service.

River Dogs on Parade opens the festivities at 10 a.m. Pooches and pups strut their stuff at the bandstand, all hoping to win the “best of” awards, while emcee Kevin McDonough offers running commentary and the Dog Parade judges deliberate.

Music throughout the day includes jazz, rock, R&B and fusion by Donna Singer and The Doug Richards Trio, Yasgurs and Jazzmosis. Performers from the Delaware Valley Opera and NACL Theatre will also make cameo appearances.

Kids Korner is a place where children can create works of art or play games under the direction of Maureen Cookingham from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Art projects range from masks to mini-posters, and kids get to take home their own interpretation of RiverFest.

For the first time, park and ride service will be provided with assistance from First Student.

Environment and energy efficiency information booths will help you wade through the complexities of clean water, clean air, and energy conservation.